Aa
Enlarged Aortic Root
My Dr. found my Aortic Root was enlarged years ago. It started with an echo every 3 years then every 2 years now every year. I am currently at 4.7 cm. I am about 6 months past due form my next echo this coming week. Dr. says when I get to 5 cm I should see a surgeon. This seems odd. I am 39 years old and I am in great shape. Not sure what my options are. Any suggestions?
My doctor (not a cardiologist) has recommended that I not lift heavy weights. My doctor says I am getting close to seeing the surgeon. I find out when my CT is on Friday. I guess once the results come back I will know where I stand. I still work out but not near as heavy as I used to. I was just wondering at my age, "39" when do I start thinking about surgery. Is it something I do while I am young (so I recover better) or do I wait another couple years until I hit that magic 5.0 number. Then again I could be at 5.0 now and just dont know. Again this is alot of speculation and I really appreciate everyones input. Right now I am trying to educate myself. My wife says I am worrying for nothing. I dont see it that way.
Yes, that's my understanding. The ARB approach is best when the root size is not too huge. It's possible that aggressive ARB therapy at a large size can bring things back down to a reasonable size. But if you're at the threshold for surgery, ARBs might not be the best option. Best to consult a cardiologist who is knowledgeable about ARBs as well as surgery to give a good, well-balanced opinion.
That's true. Benefits of ARB appear to be related to Marfan's syndrome (connective tissue disorder) and should be weighed against the risk. If one has Marfin and the size is close to 5.0, it is recommended to have an interventional procedure not be treated medically. Size 4.7 may be in the range for intervention according to a professional opinion!?
"Also, recently there has been an association made with ARB and cancer by the Cleveland Clinic."
Correct, but keep it in perspective - the risk increase is 1.5%, and cancer in many cases is treatable. Also consider that the increase in cancer includes the general population that has normal levels of TGF-beta; for someone with aneurysm and possibly increased levels of TGF-beta, the risk of cancer is theoretically still less than the normal, general population.
Compare that with the risk of aortic dissection/rupture when your aorta is very large, and make an educated decision.
Correct, but keep it in perspective - the risk increase is 1.5%, and cancer in many cases is treatable. Also consider that the increase in cancer includes the general population that has normal levels of TGF-beta; for someone with aneurysm and possibly increased levels of TGF-beta, the risk of cancer is theoretically still less than the normal, general population.
Compare that with the risk of aortic dissection/rupture when your aorta is very large, and make an educated decision.
Just curious, has your doctor approved heavy weight lifting? It is my understanding that high blood pressure should be controlled, and because heavy lifting can cause the hp to spike there may be some objection to that exercise routine. Also, recently there has been an association made with ARB and cancer by the Cleveland Clinic.
I have read with a connective tissue disorder, the time to operate is less than 5.0 as Younique has stated.
I have read with a connective tissue disorder, the time to operate is less than 5.0 as Younique has stated.
Younique1, The doctor has run tests and says he cant find the reason it is expanding. Says all tests come back clean. I am 6'5" 260 lbs and have lifted weights and been active for years. At first he thought it was due to my size and just wrote it off to that. But now he says I am close to seeing the surgeon. I have my CT coming up soon. It has been a year and a half since my last one. Currently I am at 4.7cm and to be honest I am a bit concerned.
I would find out the cause of your expanding aorta first. I had my aorta aneurysm repaired in 2006 at the age of 43. I also heard about the magic number of 5 cm and then you have surgery. I was previously diagnosed with Marfans Syndrome but after the surgery I was later diagnosed as having Loeys Dietz Syndrome. Both of these are connective tissue disorders. With Loeys Dietz, they do not wait for 5 cm since that is an aneurysm syndrome and you are more susceptible to having aneurysms anywhere in your body. Arm yourself with knowledge and get to the bottom of what is causing the enlargement. Then you will have a better idea on what you need to do.
www.marfan.org
www.loeysdietz.org
Hope this helps....and best of luck to you.
www.marfan.org
www.loeysdietz.org
Hope this helps....and best of luck to you.
5cm-5.5cm is the general threshold for surgery.
Another option to surgery is to take ARB pills, which can potentially shrink your aortic root if taken in sufficient dosages. Click on my screenname to read my many previous posts on this topic.
Another option to surgery is to take ARB pills, which can potentially shrink your aortic root if taken in sufficient dosages. Click on my screenname to read my many previous posts on this topic.
Have an Answer?
You are reading content posted in the Heart Disease Community
Is a low-fat diet really that heart healthy after all? James D. Nicolantonio, PharmD, urges us to reconsider decades-long dietary guidelines.
Can depression and anxiety cause heart disease? Get the facts in this Missouri Medicine report.
Fish oil, folic acid, vitamin C. Find out if these supplements are heart-healthy or overhyped.
Learn what happens before, during and after a heart attack occurs.
What are the pros and cons of taking fish oil for heart health? Find out in this article from Missouri Medicine.
How to lower your heart attack risk.
